Palermo's historic Palazzo Gangi, setting of 'Il Gattopardo' ball scene, put up for sale

Palazzo Gangi, the historic Palermo palace where Luchino Visconti filmed the iconic ball scene in 'Il Gattopardo', has been put on the market by its owner, Princess Carine Vanni Mantegna di Gangi. The sale has sparked political outcry, with city councilor Luisa La Colla (PD) lamenting the decay of Palermo's historic center and criticizing the lack of preservation policies. This follows the earlier listing of Palazzo Costantino, a noble residence at Piazza dei 4 Canti, on a real estate website. Palazzo Costantino is adjacent to Palazzo di Napoli, which houses Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea gallery. La Colla argues that the city's heritage is being abandoned, with poorly designed pedestrianization driving away historic shops and property owners. The sales come as Palermo prepares to host the itinerant biennial Manifesta in 2018.